Serie A 2024-25: What did Inzaghi, Conceicao say after Inter vs AC Milan derby?
Serie A 2024-25: What did Inzaghi, Conceicao say after Inter vs AC Milan derby?
Inter Milan snatched a late 1-1 draw in Sunday’s dramatic derby with AC Milan, but manager Simone Inzaghi was still left with feelings of regret while praising his side for its spirit in the face of adversity.
Inzaghi’s side hit the upright on three occasions in the second half, and also had three goals disallowed over the course of the game before finding an equaliser in added time.
“The guys were magnificent, they went beyond themselves,” Inzaghi told Sky Sports. “Unfortunately, they couldn’t go beyond the various episodes. Three posts, three goals disallowed, and a sensational penalty not given. They were magnificent and we managed to level in the 93rd minute.
“There is regret, we always want to win and it didn’t happen. Despite the episodes, we did not let ourselves be discouraged.”
Inzaghi had sent on all five substitutes with 14 minutes left to play, and one of those replacements, Nicola Zalewski, had only signed on loan from AS Roma on Saturday night.
“He came on well, he has quality and we were missing someone like that,” Inzaghi said. “I’m happy, this morning he was immediately ready and will give us a hand.”
Milan had won both previous meetings this season, with Conceicao lifting the Italian Super Cup last month in his second game in charge after a 3-2 win over its rival, but it was denied the hat-trick by Stefan de Vrij’s added-time goal.
“We put on the field the attitude we wanted, Inter know each other very well and create a lot of difficulties for the opponents, it was important to curb their strengths and exploit some weaknesses,” Conceicao told Sky Sports.
“In the end it is clear that we are disappointed, because we lost two points, but we saw all the joy they showed at the end. I think the draw is fair, but of course, mistakes are paid for.
“I think that the next game, with the transfer market over, we will face it more calmly with our heads and we can start again for four strong months.”
Despite his side’s performance against the defending champion, the manager still sees room for improvement, and Conceicao spoke of what he wants to teach his squad.
“On a mental level, to have consistency. It’s not negotiable, if there is no desire to play football, something is not good,” he said.
“On a tactical and game dynamics level, some things are missing. We tried to press a little higher and left gaps in our midfield, which I don’t want.
“In my opinion, the defensive phase is connected to the offensive one, when you attack well and occupy the space well, you are prepared to react when you lose the ball.”
